UK Airprox Board Probes Unidentified Disc Sighting Near Gatwick Airspace
A commercial pilot reported a close-range encounter with a metallic, disc-shaped craft during an approach to London Gatwick. The UK Airprox Board has launched a formal investigation into the safety implications of the unidentified aerial phenomenon.
Key takeaways
- A commercial pilot reported a metallic, disc-shaped object in the airspace near London Gatwick Airport.
- The UK Airprox Board is conducting a formal investigation into the sighting to determine the level of collision risk.
- The description of the object as a metallic disc distinguishes it from common drone or bird strike reports.
- Investigators are cross-referencing pilot testimony with radar data to identify the unidentified aerial phenomenon.
Unidentified Aerial Encounter Near London
A pilot operating a commercial flight recently reported a sighting of a mysterious, disc-shaped object while maneuvering near Gatwick Airport. The flight crew described the craft as having a metallic finish and maintaining a steady position before the aircraft passed by. This incident occurred within the busy approach corridors of London's second-largest aviation hub, raising immediate questions regarding airspace security and flight safety.
The UK Airprox Board Investigation
The UK Airprox Board, the independent national body responsible for assessing near-miss events, has assumed control of the inquiry. Investigators are reviewing flight telemetry, radar data, and crew testimony to determine the nature of the object and the proximity of the encounter. Unlike typical drone sightings, the physical description of this metallic disc does not align with standard consumer or commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Operational Safety and Airspace Integrity
Preliminary reports suggest the encounter happened at an altitude that typically precludes casual drone activity. The investigation aims to clarify several technical points:
- The exact distance between the commercial jet and the unidentified craft.
- Whether ground-based radar systems corroborated the visual sighting.
- The potential risk to the airframe and passengers during the approach phase.
The findings of the UK Airprox Board will be synthesized into a formal safety report, which is expected to address whether the object posed a collision risk or if it remains an unexplained aerial phenomenon.
Source: NDTV OffBeat
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